FIRST72 are New Zealand community resilience experts.
Since 2022, we have partnered with 26 councils across NZ to strengthen the resilience of 250+ communities. We have helped establish and equip approx. 122 community emergency hubs, deployed 69 EPODs to at-risk communities, delivered practical trainings to hundreds of community volunteers and worked with approx. 84 marae on readiness and resilience projects.
Wairoa District Council Deployment of 31+ EPODs in the Wairoa region, with 8 for the WDC in partnership with MPI. Implementation of 15+ marae and community resilience programmes in partnership with local iwi, hapū and community organisations. Delivery of Tier 3 radio systems and communications training for community groups. Supported WDC on preparedness for the continued flooding of the Wairoa River.
Napier City Council Awarded competitive tender to supply customised emergency kits for 20+ community hubs across Napier. Delivery of a SMART EPOD on top of Napier Hill for a community group to support tsunami preparedness and potential evacuation of 10,000 people from Napier CBD (project funded by NEMA under the CDEM Resilience Fund and by DIA). Ongoing supply of additional equipment and training for NCC and community hubs.
Auckland Council Emergency expertise provided to 55+ community hubs, marae and community groups across Auckland region. Development of Tier 3 communications network for community Civil Defence communications during emergencies. Delivery of two SMART EPODs and a FIRST72 Flood Response Trailer, in partnership with AMI Insurance. Continued delivery of training programmes to various community groups across Auckland.
West Coast Regional Council Deployment of 3 EPODs for the WCRC to operate as alternative emergency operations centres across the West Coast, supported by NEMA under the CDEM Resilience Fund. Preparation of 3 marae and community groups for isolation as a result of an Alpine Fault 8 (AF8) earthquake.
Rotorua Lakes District Council In partnership with local hapū, implementation of marae resilience programme to prepare 25+ Te Arawa marae across Rotorua. Phase 1 supported and funded by NEMA under the CDEM Resilience Fund.
Ruapehu District Council Development of community and marae resilience programme for RDC, based on scenario of Ruapehu volcanic eruption. Assistance with recovery from recent flooding events and requests for FIRST72 support.
Taranaki Regional Council Development of marae resilience and emergency preparedness projects across the eight iwi of Taranaki.
South Taranaki District Council Delivery of EPOD to isolated marae identified by STDC in partnership with Toi Foundation.
Waikato Regional Council Development of EPOD and marae resilience programmes in consultation with local Iwi and WRC emergency management advisors.
Whanganui District Council Development of community EPOD projects and supply of emergency equipment.
Whakatane District Council Tsunami evacuation planning across Ohope and surrounding low-lying coastal areas, including use of emergency containers.
Northland Regional Council Supply of emergency equipment to community emergency hubs and marae. Attendance at the annual NRC Civil Defence conference.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Supply of emergency equipment for 19+ community hubs.
Thames-Coromandel District Council Training for community volunteers.
Central Otago Regional Council Supply of emergency equipment for community hubs.
Hastings District Council Supply of emergency equipment to community hubs.
Ashburton District Council Supply of emergency equipment.
Selwyn District Council Supply of emergency equipment.
Otago Regional Council Supply of emergency equipment.
Far North District Council Engagement on marae readiness and resilience in consultation with local Iwi.
Waimate District Council Engagement on community readiness and resilience.
Tasman District Council Engagement on community readiness and resilience.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Engagement on community readiness and resilience.
Southland District Council Development of community emergency hubs.
Tararua District Council Development of community emergency hubs.
Tauranga City Council Development of community emergency hubs.
Councils continue to face growing challenges.
More frequent and severe weather events. Increasing community expectations. Budget cuts. And under-resourced emergency management teams.
That’s where FIRST72 comes in.
We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most.
If you want to find out about how FIRST72 can support your council, get in touch.
Find out how our EPOD Emergency & Disaster Pods can build resilience and self-sufficiency in your community. Download our helpful guide.
